I wish I had kept updates when I was first getting into Vibram FiveFingers. It was an adventure in learning how to run again; it would have been nice to look back and see myself progressing through the changes. As I’ve been rock climbing, I’m going to jot my experiences on this here personal blog for posterity. I’m not sure if I’m ready to fully commit to climbing up walls, but I’m getting a kick out of it so far.

Two Fridays ago, a bunch of us at work went over to Planet Rock to try out rock climbing. Among the group were two pros, the rest of us were noobies. I didn’t make it up to the top, but every time I came down, I wanted to try again. During this first trip, I couldn’t get used to sitting back in the harness and relaxing. Not to mention looking down was rather nerve racking!  I knew I wasn’t supposed to pull myself up by my arms – you’re supposed to use your legs to push off and up – but I was doing it anyway. It was very hard to ignore what my nerves were saying. Kirsti and Jerome, the two pros, were amazingly helpful with advice and encouragement.

This last trip I made it up to the top – twice! Looking down still makes me a little woozy. I tend to climb up until I can’t figure out where to go, then I freeze, and then I want to come down. I’m getting a little more confident, and don’t feel like I will fall when relaxing back into the harness. That part is still a little odd feeling, but I can relax and shake out my arms without having a death grip on the rope. I did belay for the first time, and would like to get a little more work on that next time.

Some pictures from the first trip -

Rock Climbing planet rock